What I Wish I Knew Before Shaving My Head - According to Baldies

You're standing in front of the mirror again. Is today the day? Should you finally shave it all off? Yeah, the fear is real. I was in the same boat decades ago, staring at the mirror, wondering if I'd look ridiculous with a bald head.

I've been shaving for 14 years, and I know that you're worried about making rookie mistakes. So, we did the work for you. We hit up baldies and asked them, "What do you wish you knew before you shaved your head?"

Their answers are gold. Read along to find out what to expect after deciding to shave your head. From surprising stuff to game-changing tips and real talk from guys who've been there.

Let's dig into what baldies wish they'd known from day one.

The Top 10 Things Baldies Wished They Knew Before Shaving Their Head

Here are the top 10 things to know before shaving your head:

1. "How important sunscreen would be."

For bald newbies, one of the biggest things you should know when you start shaving your head is to USE SUNSCREEN! Without hair, your dome is getting hammered by harmful UV rays all day long.

You wouldn't want to experience what User NoVermicelli6160 experienced, as he was diagnosed with actinic keratosis due to sun damage.

Skin cancer is no joke, and bald guys are way more vulnerable since we've got zero protection up there.

Check out our guide on how to protect your scalp from harmful UV rays.

2. "That my head would get cold."

It turns out that hair helps keep our domes warm. You go from having insulation to nothing. Winter becomes a challenge when you're bald. User sphen_lee was surprised at how much colder his head was after shaving. 

To keep your head warm, grab a comfortable beanie or a winter hat to add to your wardrobe.

3. "How important it is to take your time. Those head nicks bleed a lot."

If you go the manual razor route like User thepottsy, you'll find out that Nicks bleed a lot and are often part of the learning curve.

Shaving carefully is the only way to avoid those nasty nicks and cuts when using a traditional razor. You wouldn't want your bathroom to look like a crime scene after a shave.

A better option is to go electric. For a safer shave, you can't go wrong with the top shavers designed for bald heads.

I use Freebirds' FlexSeries Pro. I get a close shave with zero nicks and cuts.

4. "If I had known how good it feels to shave it all off, I would have done it years ago."

I totally agree with this statement by User ryanleftonreddit. Most of the baldies in the thread share the same sentiment.

In my case, I didn't shave right away. I decided to research hair growth products like crazy, only to discover that they don't work and that male pattern baldness is the reigning undefeated champ (with no cure yet) for hair loss.

After spending money on products that didn't work or gave minimal results, I finally decided to shave my head. It was one of the best decisions I ever made.

User Fun-Classroom posted, "I wish I had done it sooner."

5. "Bald looks a hundred times better than balding."

Have you tried watching videos on YouTube where they show balding men finally deciding to shave? Did you notice that the majority, if not all, of those who shaved looked way better than they did when they were balding?

6. "Lubrication is the most important part of shaving..."

Our bald scalps need extra care. As a baldie, you should know about pre- and post-shave care.

Here's the basic steps every bald man should follow:

For Pre-shave:

• Exfoliating scrub (removes dead skin)

• Shaving cream or gel (protects skin)

• Pre-Shave Oil (adds extra glide and protection)

For Post-shave:

• Moisturizer (hydrates and calms skin)

• Aftershave (keeps irritation down)

• Sunscreen (protects from UV rays)

Freebird makes lubrication easier and convenient for you. They offer a scalp care kit and a shave care kit that bundles everything you need.

7. "Hair grows fast; you must shave regularly for a clean look."

After shaving, your hair grows back pretty fast. How to know when to shave your head? Some baldies shave daily to maintain a clean-shaven look, while others shave twice a week.

If you're like me with a stage 6 in the Norwood scale, a buzz cut will make your U-shape, or what I call the McDonald's logo, more prominent, especially when your hair grows longer.

The Solution? A close shave with my FlexSeries Pro. I don't like how the back side of my head looks with that horseshoe sticking out like a sore thumb.

Electric razors help a lot since you can shave quickly; 90 seconds, and you're done.

8. "Shaved heads aren't maintenance-free."

What to know before shaving your head? Myths about bald heads.

One of them is that a shaved head requires zero maintenance. The truth? A shaved head isn't a set-it-and-forget-it deal.

You need to invest in high-quality razors or electric shavers, as well as blade replacements and all the products mentioned in the lubrication topic above.

If you're like me and spend tons on hair growth products that don't work, that's another thing you can cross off your grooming maintenance tasks and costs.

9. "Not everyone will respond positively to your new look."

Not everyone will love your freshly shaved head, even if you look like a thousand bucks rocking your new look. That's normal. Some people are biased toward baldies and will also comment negatively, no matter what you do.

Don't sweat it. It's not about them anyway. It's about you and your newfound freedom from hair loss stress.

10. "If you have any regrets, your hair will grow back."

Head shaving is a big decision. If you decide to jump the gun and realize it doesn't suit you, don't worry. Your hair will grow back.

Shaving won't affect your current hair condition. If you were balding before, you'll still be balding after shaving.

Ask those close to you what they think of your new look. You might be surprised at how many compliments come your way.

The Bottom Line

Now that you've heard it straight from baldies, you now know what to expect when you pick up that razor.

Remember the basics. Investing in a solid shaver and good lubrication products for your shaving routine will help you start your bald head journey on the right foot.

Are you ready to make the move? The FlexSeries Pro Shaving Kit is waving at you!

FAQs

What if I Get Nervous Right Before I Shave for the First Time?

Being nervous before your first shave is totally normal. Start small, use the biggest guard on a trimmer first for a quick buzz. Remember, your hair will grow back, so there's no problem in trying it out first.

Why is Moisturizing My Scalp So Important?

Moisturizing your scalp is important to avoid dryness and flaking. A daily moisturizer prevents that tight, itchy feeling and keeps your skin looking healthy. 

Will I Regret Shaving My Head?

Most bald guys say they don't regret it and wish they had shaved sooner. But if you do, don't worry, your hair will grow back. It's not permanent, so there's no real risk here.

Do You Look Older or Younger with a Shaved Head?

Most guys look younger and confident with a shaved head than balding. Balding ages you. The confidence boost after shaving makes you look better, giving off a younger vibe.

How Attractive Is a Shaved Head?

A study shows that bald men are perceived as more masculine, dominant, and confident. The key is grooming - keep your scalp smooth, moisturized, and protected from the sun. A well-maintained bald head beats a thinning hairline every single time.

Is It Better to Shave Your Head Wet or Dry?

Wet shaving gives you a closer shave, but dry shaving is faster and more convenient. If you're using a manual razor, always shave wet with cream or gel for comfort and protection. If you're using an electric shaver, dry shaving works great for quick maintenance. 

How Can I Tell if I Will Look Good Bald?

Try the "thumb test" - place your thumb sideways across your hairline to see what you'd look like without hair. Most guys look better bald than they think. Check out celebrities with similar face shapes who've shaved their heads. Another option? Use a photo editing app to preview the look. But honestly, the only way to really know is to go for it. Your hair grows back if you hate it.

Should I Just Shave My Head if I'm Balding?

If your hair loss is noticeable and stressing you out, shaving is the move.
A clean shave looks way better than a receding hairline or thin patches. Most guys who make the switch wish they'd done it sooner. If you're spending time and money trying to hide it, you're already past the point where shaving makes sense.